Succulents

Photo by Cynthia Nations

Succulents are a large and diverse group of drought-tolerant plants that store water in their stems, leaves or roots. This allows them to survive in conditions that are too dry for many plants. Cacti comprise one group of succulents because they store water in their stems. However, not all succulents are cacti.

In addition to their low-water needs, the plants can provide year-round interest in the garden as they come in a range of colors, forms and sizes. As an added bonus, succulents produce flowers on long stems or buds.

Most succulents have shallow root systems, which makes them well-suited for container gardening. Other drought-tolerant plants are dependent on their deep root systems to obtain water.

Growing Needs

Most succulents require the following to thrive:

Moderate temperatures: ~ 60° to 80° during their growing season.
Minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sun per day. Morning sun may be best for some winter growers in hotter microclimates.
Soil with good drainage and aeration (succulents can rot if the soil remains wet for too long).
Infrequent watering. Allow the soil to become nearly dry between waterings. Containers may require watering once or twice a week, whereas landscape plants generally need watering once or twice a month.
Feeding: Use a non-synthetic fertilizer like fish emulsion (½ strength) for containers; add compost in the landscape.

Summer Growers (Winter Dormant)

Agave attenuata 'Ray of Light'. Photo by Janice Moody

These succulents enter a period of little to no growth for a few weeks during the hottest part of the summer, before a final burst of growth in early fall. The plants do not like winter wet conditions, but do like some summer moisture. Summer growers include: cacti, agave, echeveria, euphorbia, oscularia deltoides, pedilanthus, sempervivum. Agaves and cacti, considered desert plants, can survive without summer waterings.

Winter Growers (Summer Dormant)

Aeonium 'Sunburst'. Photo by Cynthia Nations

These types are essentially dormant during the warmer months of May through August (September and October on the coast). Growth is minimal during the summer months. Their primary growth occurs during autumn and spring, while slowing considerably during winter. Give the plants some summer water to keep them looking their best. Winter growers include: aeonium, aloe, bulbine, calandrinia spectibilis, cotyledon, crassula, dudleya, graptopetalum, graptoveria, kalanchoe, othonna, pachyphytum, pachyveria, portulacaria, sedum, senecio.

Succulents Native to California

Lewisia 'Elise'. Photo by Cathrin Callas

There are well over 100 succulents that are native to California, such as dudleyas, cliff maids (Lewisia cotyledon) and sedums. Visit the Calscape.org website for a complete list.

Care and Propagation

Succulents require very little care. Deadhead spent flowers and remove any dead leaves from the lower part of the plant. If the plant is getting too large, you can divide it.

Succulents are easy to propagate. You can take leaf or stem cuttings, or separate an offset (called a pup) from the mature plant. When propagating from an offset, be sure to keep the offset’s roots. Before planting a cutting, keep it in a warm, protected location out of direct sun until the cut end forms a callus.

Common Pests

Aeonium snail damage. Photo by Janice Moody

Succulents have very few pests, which adds to their appeal. If pests appear, the most common are: aphids; snails and slugs; and leafrollers (larvae of certain tortricid moths). Visit the UC Integrated Pest Management (IPM) website for information on these pests.

Banner photo: Rock Purslane (Calandrinia spectabilis) blooming in a container.